Similar to how there is no validity-buffer required in the format if null_count == 0, is a similar optimization for the "data buffer" allowed when (null_count == array length)? It seems that if all values are null, no data element should ever be accessed, but I couldn't find if this was ever discussed.
A quick perusal of the spec seems to imply they are required (I couldn't find an exception). But I just wanted to confirm this was the case. Thanks, Micah